When you think of the physical changes you anticipate once you see that positive pregnancy test, you may imagine a beautiful baby bump. Your growing midsection isn’t the only change your body experiences during the nine-month pregnancy journey. Pregnancy quite literally affects you from your head to your toes. Yes, along with the joy of impending motherhood, many women experience foot-related challenges during this time.
From swelling to aches, pregnancy can take a toll on those trusty appendages below your bump. Here is a guide to the nine most common foot ailments that might tag along during your nine-month journey to motherhood.
Nine Pregnancy Foot Problems
1. Swollen Feet (Edema)
Swollen feet are the classic foot-related pregnancy symptom, and the not-so-welcome party crasher at the baby shower. This swelling happens due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins in your legs. Elevating your feet and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes can help keep the swelling in check.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Imagine waking up in the morning, ready to conquer the day, only to be greeted by a sharp pain in your heel. Pregnancy weight gain and hormonal changes can exacerbate this condition. Plantar fasciitis treatment at home can include Investing in supportive footwear and gentle stretching exercises to alleviate the discomfort.
3. Flat Feet
Your arches might feel like they’ve gone on a sabbatical during pregnancy, leaving you with flat feet and an extra challenge in finding comfortable shoes. Orthotic inserts can provide the support your feet crave, helping you navigate this temporary flat-footed journey with ease.
4. Overpronation
Ah, the joys of hormones. They not only wreak havoc on your emotions but can also lead to overpronation, where your feet roll inward excessively while walking or standing. Opt for shoes with good arch support and consider exercises to strengthen your foot muscles.
5. Ingrown Toenails
Your belly is expanding, making regular foot care more challenging. Ingrown toenails can become more common during pregnancy due to difficulty reaching your feet for proper trimming. Regular foot care and wearing shoes with a roomy toe box can help prevent this pesky problem. Sounds like a great excuse to get a pedicure.
6. Bunions
Pregnancy can feel like a never-ending parade of surprises, including the unwelcome arrival of bunions. Increased pressure on the feet can exacerbate this condition, causing pain and discomfort. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and consider using orthotic inserts to relieve pressure on the affected area.
7. Heel Pain
Your growing belly might steal the spotlight but don’t underestimate the drama that can unfold at your heels. Heel pain, often associated with conditions like Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, can make each step feel like a Herculean feat. Rest, ice, proper footwear, and gentle stretching exercises are your allies in this battle. If these measures don’t relieve the pain, you might need to visit a podiatrist for heel pain to find the best treatment options for you.
8. Varicose Veins
Legs don’t hold a monopoly on varicose veins; varicose veins can also make a grand appearance on your feet during pregnancy. Increased pressure on the circulatory system causes these unsightly (and sometimes painful) veins. Elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings can offer some relief.
9. Cramps
Just when you thought you were safe lying in bed, ready to drift off into dreamland, a sudden foot cramp strikes like a bolt of lightning. Dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or simply the joys of pregnancy can cause these nocturnal nuisances. Stay hydrated, stretch your calf muscles before bed, and consider magnesium supplements to keep cramps at bay.
Pampering Your Feet While Pregnant
Pregnancy is the perfect time to pamper yourself before you step into the busy world of motherhood. If you can’t get a full pedicure, you can still do some of these at-home treatments to thank your feet for carrying you and your baby.
- Soak your feet. If you pour a little Epsom salt into some warm water, you’ll create the best combination for a foot-soaking paradise.
- Elevate your feet. Don’t feel lazy. You’re growing a human being. You deserve to kick your feet up.
- Buy new shoes. If you shop for shoes while pregnant, be sure to buy something with a low profile, plenty of support, and a wide toe box. Your shoe size might even change if your ligaments are expanding.
- Get a foot massage. A massage might be what got you into this situation in the first place, but your partner should have no qualms about giving you a little extra attention when you are growing him a miniature version of himself.
- Paint your toenails. Nail polish might not help your feet feel better, but it can help your heart feel better, which is just as important. Depending on the size of your belly, you might need a little help with this one, too.
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with its fair share of ups and downs, including some unexpected foot-related adventures. If you have any questions about your feet during pregnancy, talk to a podiatrist or your OBGYN.
By staying proactive with proper foot care, investing in supportive footwear, and maintaining a sense of humor along the way, you can keep those feet happy and healthy throughout your pregnancy. After all, you’re not just carrying a baby; you’re carrying a whole lot of love and resilience, one step at a time.
